Lignocellulosic Biomass Delignification via Segmented Solvent Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing dissolving cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass are costly and not economically viable, particularly when using organosolv pulping processes, and often result in cellulose contamination with metal catalysts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a two-step solvent process using water and a low-boiling organic compound to separate hemicellulose and lignin from lignocellulosic biomass, followed by delignification and bleaching, which allows for the production of high-quality dissolving cellulose and lignin oil without metal catalyst contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If organosolv pulping process is used to produce dissolving cellulose, then cellulose dissolution quality is improved, but production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pulping process into two distinct stages: a first organosolv pulping stage using alcohol-based solvent to dissolve cellulose, followed by a second stage using water to remove hemicellulose and lignin. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall cost while maintaining dissolving cellulose quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the solvent parameter between the two stages - from alcohol-based solvent in the first stage to water in the second stage. This parameter change enables cost reduction in the second stage while maintaining the quality requirements for dissolving cellulose production.
2Productivity
If metal catalyst is used in the process, then reaction efficiency is improved, but cellulose purity deteriorates due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes metal catalysts from the process system. Instead of using metal catalysts that would contaminate the cellulose, the invention employs alternative catalytic systems or non-catalytic methods that achieve the required reaction efficiency without leaving metal residues in the final cellulose product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances or alternative catalytic systems that mediate the reactions without introducing metal catalysts. These intermediaries enable the necessary chemical transformations while maintaining cellulose purity by not contaminating the final product.
3Manufacturing precision
If complete delignification is achieved, then cellulose purity is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delignification process into two distinct stages: first using alcohol-based solvent to remove lignin and hemicellulose, then using water to complete the delignification and remove remaining contaminants. This segmentation achieves complete delignification and high cellulose purity while managing process complexity through systematic division of operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively produces high-purity dissolving cellulose and lignin oil, achieving up to 94% delignification with improved viscosity and brightness, while avoiding metal catalyst contamination, thus providing a more economical and efficient route for textile fiber production.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the lignocellulosic biomass feedstock with the first solvent under conditions in terms of temperature and pressure effective for removing hemicellulose contained in the lignocellulosic biomass feedstock, thereby freeing lignin contained in the lignocellulosic biomass feedstock from hemicellulose
Implementation Method 2
contacting the lignocellulosic biomass feedstock with the second solvent under conditions in terms of temperature and pressure effective for removing lignin contained in the lignocellulosic biomass feedstock, which lignin has been freed from hemicellulose, thereby obtaining a solvent mixture containing lignin and lignin derived compounds
Implementation Method 3
A providing a particulate lignocellulosic biomass feedstock; B providing a first solvent comprising water; C contacting the lignocellulosic biomass feedstock with the first solvent... D providing a second solvent comprising a low-boiling liquid organic compound; E contacting the lignocellulosic biomass feedstock with the second solvent... F separating out a lignin oil from the solvent mixture containing lignin and lignin derived compounds
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing lignin oil and dissolving cellulose from a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock is disclosed. The method enables obtaining both lignin oil and dissolving cellulose from the lignocellulosic biomass feedstock, wherein the dissolving cellulose preferably is not contaminated with any metal catalyst when used in the method.